Photo: Volvo
Volvo didn’t make a secret out of its intentions of giving the brand a sportier look, and the acquisition of the tuning division of long-lasting partners Polestar this summer was a clear move in that direction.
Another step towards giving the Volvo brand a more dynamic image, albeit not as important as the Polestar deal, is the launch of the XC90 R-Design edition. The biggest worry people had regarding Volvo’s new XC90 at the time of its launch was its engine lineup. For a premium SUV this big to come exclusively with two-liter four-cylinder engines, that took a lot of guts from its manufacturer.
But Volvo stuck with its idea, and while some reviewers did moan the lack of a six-cylinder engine, the overall impression is that the xc90 can do just fine without one. And for those who want more power, there’s always the T8 Twin Engine hybrid option available.
Now, there’s also the R-Design version. Available only in the UK at the moment, this new XC90 is more than just a trim level, coming with a range of dynamic, aesthetic and equipment upgrades.
Until we get the cyan XC90 we’re all hoping for, we’re going to have to make do with a red one. The R-Design moniker brings 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, silver-effect door mirrors, glossy black radiator grille and tinted rear windows. That’s on the outside. Inside, the new version comes with leather/suede sports seats, a 12.3-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and a steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather and paddle-shifters. Other niceties include a leather-clad remote key fob, black headlining, power passenger seat, and upgraded interior lighting.
In the dynamic department, the XC90 R-Design models get the Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force systems as standard, allowing for a very precise customization of the driving experience by controlling the setup for the engine, transmission, steering and the still optional air suspension.
In the UK, there are three engines compatible with the R-Design package, and those are the D5 diesel, the T6 Drive-E turbocharged gasoline engine and the T8 Twin Engine hybrid. The prices start at £49,785, which corresponds to $75,000 and €70,700 at today’s rates.
But Volvo stuck with its idea, and while some reviewers did moan the lack of a six-cylinder engine, the overall impression is that the xc90 can do just fine without one. And for those who want more power, there’s always the T8 Twin Engine hybrid option available.
Now, there’s also the R-Design version. Available only in the UK at the moment, this new XC90 is more than just a trim level, coming with a range of dynamic, aesthetic and equipment upgrades.
Until we get the cyan XC90 we’re all hoping for, we’re going to have to make do with a red one. The R-Design moniker brings 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, silver-effect door mirrors, glossy black radiator grille and tinted rear windows. That’s on the outside. Inside, the new version comes with leather/suede sports seats, a 12.3-inch TFT display in the instrument cluster and a steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather and paddle-shifters. Other niceties include a leather-clad remote key fob, black headlining, power passenger seat, and upgraded interior lighting.
In the dynamic department, the XC90 R-Design models get the Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force systems as standard, allowing for a very precise customization of the driving experience by controlling the setup for the engine, transmission, steering and the still optional air suspension.
In the UK, there are three engines compatible with the R-Design package, and those are the D5 diesel, the T6 Drive-E turbocharged gasoline engine and the T8 Twin Engine hybrid. The prices start at £49,785, which corresponds to $75,000 and €70,700 at today’s rates.
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